Prime Time Funk

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ABOUT US

It was 1996 when veteran Rochester musicians James Richmond (sax, keyboard and vocals) and Ralph Ortiz (bass) started assembling their dream band. A funk band, of course, and for once... Read more

It was 1996 when veteran Rochester musicians James Richmond (sax, keyboard and vocals) and Ralph Ortiz (bass) started assembling their dream band. A funk band, of course, and for once there would be no compromises in musicianship or material. This would be Prime Time Funk. One by one, they handpicked the rhythm section, starting with drummer Dave Cohen. When they began recruiting the PTF horns, saxophonist Vince Ercolamento was their first call. The dream quickly became a reality, surviving the inevitable personnel changes that occur in any band, and becoming stronger with each change. The current and longtime lineup features Andy Calabrese on keyboards, Joe Chiappone on guitar, Ron D'Angelo and Derrick Lipp on trumpets, Michael Edwards on baritone sax and violin, and the incomparable Ronnie Leigh on vocals. In 2009, tragedy struck when co-founder/bassist Ralph Ortiz died suddenly from cancer. But, as if orchestrated by Ralph himself, bassist Ron France appeared and has allowed the PTF dream to continue. The band is currently recording its second CD as a tribute to Ralph. PTF's deubt CD in 2001, Ready and Willing, was co-produced by Grammy® Award-winning producer Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. In its 14 years, Prime Time Funk has played the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris as well as the Rochester International Jazz Festival, and has shared the stage with some of the world's most respected funk, R&B, blues and jazz acts: Earth, Wind & Fire; Medeski, Martin & Wood; The Brothers Johnson; Tom Scott; Terrence Blanchard; The Temptations; Average White Band; Stanley Clarke; Lenny White; Larry Carlton; John Scofield; Sherman Roberston; and Francine Reed. Between clubs, colleges, and corporate dates, and from festivals and fundraisers to private celebrations, this premier ten-piece powerhouse is more in demand than ever. Audiences eat up the chemistry on stage, dance like theres no one watching, and appreciate that theyre hearing extraordinary musicians who truly live up to the name Prime Time Funk. PTF News: Prime Time Funk's new CD 'Hear and Now' has just been released!
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REVIEWS

Prime Time Funk is an amazing band based in upstate New York. The leader, Ronnie Leigh, is an amazing singer and really got the crowd going. My guests kept saying, "you really know how to throw a party!" and it was definitely all thanks to the band. The band learned our special-request first dance song and did very well with it, though they were less willing to learn a ton of other new songs.

Prime Time Funk is an amazing band based in upstate New York. The leader, Ronnie Leigh, is an amazing singer and really Read more...

Prime Time Funk is an amazing band based in upstate New York. The leader, Ronnie Leigh, is an amazing singer and really got the crowd going. My guests kept saying, "you really know how to throw a party!" and it was definitely all thanks to the band. The band learned our special-request first dance song and did very well with it, though they were less willing to learn a ton of other new songs. Read less